the nell shipman awards of excellence in filmmaking (on hiatus)

Luminous leading lady Bonnie Bedelia honored at the Nells

Our Women in Film Chapter is named after Nell Shipman, director, producer and actress, a pioneer of early cinema. In 1994, inspired by her indomitable spirit, talent and courage, WIF Seattle began hosting an awards ceremony honoring that same spirit in contemporary female filmmakers of the Pacific Northwest.

This black-tie “Academy Award” style gala provides recognition for talented Northwest female filmmakers and showcases their work. The awards include:The Career Achievement AwardThe Light of the Community AwardThe Spirit of Nell Awardand Production Excellence Awards in multiple categories.

Bonnie Bedelia and presenter Stewart Stern

Our last event honored DP and producer, Diana Wilmar with the Spirit of Nell; Stephanie Chomondeley of ReelYouth with the Light of the Community; and beloved Hollywood actress and NW resident Bonnie Bedelia, with the Career Achievement Award. Her amazing career spans decades with riveting performances in Presumed Innocent, Die Hard I & II, They Shoot Horses Don’t They, Heart Like a Wheel, and recently in the series Parenthood, www.imdb.com/name/nm0000889

We plan to hold our next Nell Shipman award ceremony in 2012. The Nells is a grand project; if you’re interested in being a part of making it happen, please contact our board of directors.

What folks say about the Nells

WIF President Virginia Bogert, & sponsor, Brad Brotherton

“Brava, to all those wildly talented cohorts of your gender, who can not only make movies, but can also make little boys who grow up to write them too.”—Stewart Stern, screenwriter & educator, Rebel Without a Cause, Rachael Rachael

“The Nell Shipman Awards ceremony was a magical evening and I am honored to have been a presenter. From the formal attire to the spirit and energy of the room, it was by all accounts a success.”—James Keblas, (Former) Director Office of Film and Music City of SeattlePresenter, Best Feature Film

“What a fabulous evening! A big, beautiful room filled with gorgeous and groovy film-smart chicks... it doesn't get much better than that!”—Nancy Guppy, Seattle Channel. Presenter, Best Student Film